UK reorganisation plan

Future Network PLC 13 July 2001 13 July 2001 Future UK reorganisation plans The Future Network plc, (LSE:FNET) the international specialist magazine publisher, today announces the final stages of the restructuring of its UK business, which began in February 2001. Under this reorganisation plan, Future has divided its UK business into three operating divisions - Games; Computing; and Entertainment - and is reducing fixed operating costs in the UK by approximately £4m, through cuts in staffing levels and property overheads. The specific changes involve: reductions in centralised support services, and in Internet and magazine teams; rationalisation of the company's property portfolio; and an important change in the way the UK business is managed by devolving operational responsibility to the individual divisions as profit centres. It is expected that a total of some 140 jobs will be lost as a result of these changes. The one-off costs associated with this programme are included in the estimates of non-recurring costs for the year, announced on 8 June in conjunction with the sale of Business 2.0. The cost savings announced today, together with the measures announced in February, reduce the total fixed costs of the UK business by approximately £8.5 million on an annualised basis. Colin Morrison, Chief Operating Officer of The Future Network, said: 'This plan is important because of the substantial reduction in our fixed operating costs against a broadly unchanged magazine portfolio. But much more than that, this restructuring and decentralisation plan simplifies our business, and will improve our focus, agility and control. We will now be more streamlined and much better placed to take advantage of our market-leading positions in the important UK market.' Greg Ingham, Chief Executive of The Future Network, added: 'We have made significant changes to our business worldwide in recent months, as part of a comprehensive plan. This change to the structure and management of the UK business is a very important element in that process. How ever difficult some of the changes have been for those involved, what is emerging is a stronger business.' Earlier this week, Future reported that trading remains in line with expectation. Also today, Future announced the completion of the sale of Business 2.0 (see separate release). For further information: The Future Network plc Greg Ingham, Chief Executive Colin Morrison, Chief Operating Officer Tel: 01225 442244 Hogarth Partnership James Longfield/Georgina Briscoe Tel: 020 7357 9477

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